DK Eyewitness Greece: Athens and the Mainland (Travel Guide)

Mainland Greece promises incredible ancient relics, inspiring cities, idyllic beaches, and mountains steeped in myth and legend.

Whether you want to watch the sun sink behind the marble columns of the Parthenon in Athens, visit iconic archaeological sites such as Delphi and Olympia, or simply soak up the sun on the sandy beaches of Halkidikí, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that mainland Greece has to offer.

World-class museums and archaeological sites may be the first things that come to mind when you think of Greece, but the country is home to both old and new. Take Europe’s oldest city, for example: Athens has a youthful vibe and buzzing nightlife, where upmarket restaurants stand alongside traditional grill eateries and old-school ouzeris jostle with the trendy cocktail bars of up-and-coming urban neighbourhoods. Meanwhile Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city, seduces visitors with its array of Byzantine churches and vibrant contemporary art scene.

But it’s not all about the cities. Kissed by three seas and stretching from the barren peaks of the northern Pindos to the sunny vineyards of Attica and the Peloponnese, the rural landscapes of mainland Greece are stunningly diverse. Outdoor adventurers can trek the dramatic Víkos and Loúsios gorges and climb the craggy peaks of Mount Olympos.

Our newly updated guide brings Athens and the mainland to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the region's iconic buildings and neighbourhoods. We’ve also worked hard to make sure our information is as up-to-date as possible following the COVID-19 outbreak.

You'll discover

-our pick of Athens and the mainland’s must-sees, top experiences and hidden gems
-a handy pull-out map to help you navigate Athens
-the best spots to eat, drink, shop and stay
-detailed maps and walks, which make navigating the region easily
-easy-to-follow itineraries
-expert advice: get ready, get around and stay safe
-colour-coded chapters to every part of mainland Greece, from Athens to the Peloponnese
-a lightweight format, so you can take it with you wherever you go

Touring the Islands? Try our DK Eyewitness Greek Islands. Want the best of Athens in your pocket? Try our DK Eyewitness Top 10 Athens.